The music was still playing. As the night deepened, the party grew livelier. Marigold was still trying to identify the man who had seemed to be watching her from afar for some time. However, the corner of the room where he was sitting was dim, making it impossible for Marigold to see him clearly.
“Marry, why are you spacing out?”
Devan’s voice startled Marigold. “Oh, it’s nothing,” she replied nervously.
“Talk to Uncle Robert. He really wants to chat with you. Isn’t that right, Uncle?” Devan chuckled as he glanced at Robert, the middle-aged director sitting with them.
“Is he really a great director? I’ve never heard of him before.” Marigold spoke quietly to Devan.
“Maybe you’re just the one who hasn’t heard of him,” Devan replied casually.
“Yes, Marry. I’m not as famous as other directors, but I’ve worked extensively with professional actors and actresses,” Robert added, apparently having heard Marigold’s earlier remark.
Marigold merely shrugged in response, as if to show how little she cared. Who cared whether that old man was a director or not? Marigold had already worked with plenty of famous directors who competed to cast her as the lead in their films.
Marigold was famous not only as an actress but also as a model and singer. People called her a talented, versatile young superstar. Add to that her beautiful face and elegant appearance, and it was no wonder so many men were crazy about her and wanted to win her heart.
“Marry, I think I’m going to step away for a bit,” Devan said, breaking Marigold’s reverie.
“Where are you going, Devan?” Marigold demanded, not wanting him to leave her alone with Robert.
“Just for a moment. I have something to take care of. You chat with Uncle Robert for now, okay? He’s incredibly rich.” Devan whispered the last part as he rose from his seat.
“Devan!” Marigold called out as he began to leave.
As if he hadn’t heard her, Devan continued walking away, leaving them behind. Marigold clicked her tongue in annoyance at his behavior. For some reason, she felt that Devan had done it on purpose. It seemed he really wanted to leave Marigold alone with Robert, though she had no idea what his actual goal was.
After Devan left, Robert shifted his seat closer and closer to Marigold. Realizing this, Marigold also moved away from him. She clicked her tongue again. After dealing with all the lecherous men who had been hitting on her, now she had to face the old director, who also seemed intent on flirting with her.
“Come on, Marry. Don’t be shy.” Robert chuckled.
“What do you mean?” Marigold frowned.
Marigold truly doubted that Robert was a famous director, as Devan had claimed. She had never seen any news about Robert in the media, unlike the other directors. His appearance didn’t make him look like a director, either. Robert looked like nothing more than another rich, lecherous old man.
“Marry, let’s have some fun at the party tonight,” Robert said again, still clearly trying to seduce her.
“Who do you think you are?!” Marigold snapped, offended.
“I’m a rich man who wants to take you out and have some fun.”
“I don’t care how rich you are! You’re being rude to me!” Marigold’s eyes widened as she said it.
Marigold could no longer hold back her anger. She was utterly disgusted by the lecherous old director hitting on her. Why had Devan introduced her to Robert? Had Devan been paid by the old director to set her up? If Devan had really done that, Marigold never would have expected it of him.
“Damn you, Devan!” Marigold muttered as she rose from her seat.
Marigold had just started to walk away when she saw Robert grab her arm, stopping her from leaving. She jerked his hand away in disgust and anger. Instead, Robert tightened his grip and moved even closer to Marigold. The people at the party began to notice them.
“Let go of me!” Marigold shouted at Robert as she struggled to free her hand from the old director’s grasp.
Rather than let go, Robert moved even closer, appearing to want to pull Marigold into an embrace. Marigold struggled against him. She was on the verge of tears when a young man suddenly slammed into Robert, sending him sprawling onto the floor. Marigold was both shocked and relieved. She let out a long breath.
Marigold stared at the mysterious man who had just saved her. Her eyes widened. Wasn’t he the man who had been watching her from afar all this time? Who was he, really? Marigold didn’t have time to answer the questions in her mind because the man urged her to leave the party room. Without saying a word, Marigold followed the man who had saved her.